He riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself.

JOHN 13:4KJV
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John 13:4 (KJV)

What does John 13:4 mean?

John 13:4 describes how Jesus got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, picked up a towel, and wrapped it around himself. This action sets the stage for what he is about to do next, showing a deliberate and humble preparation for serving his disciples.

In this scene, Jesus is with his disciples during the Last Supper. The verse highlights Jesus’ intentional movements: he stands up in the middle of supper, removes his outer garment, and ties a towel around his waist like a servant would. This simple but striking act signals that Jesus is about to perform a task usually reserved for the lowest servant in the household.

The Greek behind John 13:4

  • The word "riseth" (ἐγείρεται, egeiretai) is often used for getting up or rising, sometimes with a sense of purpose or intention, not just a casual movement.
  • "Garments" (ἱμάτια, himatia) refers to outer clothing, which people would remove when doing physical or humble work; this detail shows Jesus taking on a servant’s role.
  • "Girded" (διέζωσεν, diezōsen) means to tie something around oneself, usually to prepare for work or service; here, it emphasizes Jesus’ readiness to serve in a practical, hands-on way.

Why John 13:4 matters

  • John 13:4 clears up any idea that Jesus’ actions were accidental or rushed; the verse shows careful, purposeful preparation for what follows.
  • The verse emphasizes Jesus’ humility by describing him taking on the appearance and role of a servant, which would have been surprising to his disciples.
  • This moment connects directly to the next verses, where Jesus washes the disciples’ feet, making the symbolism and meaning of his actions clearer to the reader.

Where else these words appear

“towel” Greek G3012 · used in 2 verses

  • John 13:5 After that he poureth water into a bason, and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded.

“girded” Greek G1241 · used in 3 verses

  • John 13:5 After that he poureth water into a bason, and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded.
  • John 21:7 Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved saith unto Peter, It is the Lord. Now when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he girt his fisher's coat unto him,(for he was naked,) and did cast himself into the sea.

“supper” Greek G1173 · used in 16 verses

  • Matthew 23:6 And love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues,
  • Luke 14:17 And sent his servant at supper time to say to them that were bidden, Come; for all things are now ready.
  • John 21:20 Then Peter, turning about, seeth the disciple whom Jesus loved following; which also leaned on his breast at supper, and said, Lord, which is he that betrayeth thee?

“garments” Greek G2440 · used in 59 verses

  • Matthew 5:40 And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloke also.
  • Mark 9:3 And his raiment became shining, exceeding white as snow; so as no fuller on earth can white them.
  • John 19:23 Then the soldiers, when they had crucified Jesus, took his garments, and made four parts, to every soldier a part; and also his coat: now the coat was without seam, woven from the top throughout.